Christmas in Paris is truly one of my favourite times of the year. From November through January, the city gradually transforms, and every corner seems to sparkle a little brighter. Streets glow with festive lights, shop windows tell their own little holiday stories, and seasonal activities such as skating rinks to Christmas markets give the city a joyful buzz.
As a local, I love keeping an eye on all the holiday events each year. I wanted to bring it all together so you can see what’s happening across the city and plan the kind of Christmas in Paris that feels right for you. There’s also something special about just wandering through Paris at this time of year. Even a quiet stroll down a side street can feel festive when lights twinkle overhead. Whether you’re visiting or enjoying it as a local, Christmas in Paris is a season to soak in and savor.
1. Visit the Paris Christmas Markets
There’s arguably no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by visiting one of the Paris Christmas markets. Holiday markets are a familiar sight across the city and start popping up from late November. Some focus on artisan food and design, while others are all about family fun with carousels, rides, and festive treats. They’re lovely places to wander, soak up the atmosphere, and warm your hands around a cup of hot chocolate.
One of my favourites is the Notre-Dame Christmas Market in Square René-Viviani. It’s one of the smaller markets in Paris, but that’s part of its charm. I love coming here for its festive setting and the beautiful view of the Notre Dame Cathedral in the background (which you must visit after its reopening if you haven’t do so already!). The focus is on local artisans and creators, so you’ll find plenty of high-quality, handmade gifts and treats made in France. It feels authentically French, without the commercial vibe you get in some of the other locations. Despite its size, there’s Santa for the kids and live music from 4pm, including Christmas choirs, jazz concerts, and brass bands. It’s open from 28 November to 25 December 2025.
If you prefer something just as festive but still on a smaller scale, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market is a lovely choice. Set near the historic church of the same name, it runs from 25 November 2025 to 1 January 2026 and has that quintessential Paris neighbourhood feel. Another one I always enjoy visiting is the Montmartre Christmas Market, on the Place des Abbesses, right next to the Sacré-Cœur. Open from 22 November 2025 to 7 January 2026, it’s small but charming, with a local village vibe and plenty of character.
When we go out as a family, though, it’s always the Tuileries Christmas Market that wins. It’s the only one my kids actually get excited about and that says a lot about how family-friendly it is. This year, it runs from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. Set within the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries, it’s one of the biggest family-friendly Christmas markets in Paris, with endless stalls selling raclette, crêpes, and mulled wine. There’s also plenty to keep children entertained – bumper cars, a giant slide, a Ferris wheel, and even an outdoor ice rink.
Another great option for families is La Villette Christmas Market, running from 20 November to 28 December 2025. It has a more modern, playful feel, with a festive village complete with Santa’s Chalet, a skating rink, a climbing wall, and other fun seasonal activities.
A couple of winters ago, I ventured out to see the La Défense Christmas Market, which is the largest in the Paris region. While it’s impressive in size, with hundreds of chalets, I have to admit it didn’t quite have the same warmth. It felt a bit too commercial and lacked the cosy, intimate charm of the markets in central Paris. Surrounded by glass towers instead of historic buildings, it just doesn’t capture that same holiday magic. It’s open from 13 November to 28 December 2025, but I’ll be skipping it again this year.
2. Admire the Holiday Windows in Paris
One of my favourite things to do at Christmas in Paris is to stroll past the grand department stores and take in their spectacular window displays. Every year, these shops transform their façades into little works of art – animated scenes that sparkle, twirl, and tell magical winter stories. I’ve made it a bit of a tradition to see them all, and even after a few years, they still manage to surprise me. If you only have time for one, make it Printemps Haussmann as their creativity never disappoints.
This year, Printemps Haussmann is celebrating its first American store opening with a New York–themed Christmas display. The windows take visitors on a journey through the Big Apple’s iconic neighbourhoods, all brought to life by a cast of adorable dog characters. It’s fun, clever, and full of detail – the kind of display you can stand in front of for ages, spotting something new each time.
📅 6 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
📍 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Just down the street, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann always puts on a show. Its towering Christmas tree beneath the glass dome is a Parisian holiday icon, and this year’s windows tell the story of Santa’s magical workshop, surrounded by elves and presents. Inside, the decorations continue with a giganticChristmas tree, and if you head to the rooftop, you’ll find an ice rink overlooking the rooftops of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.
📅 6 November 2025 – 31 December 2025
📍 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
Across the river, the upscale La Samaritaine is dressing up as one giant Christmas present this year with ribbons, bows, and all. The whole building glows with festive cheer, from its sparkling façade to the grand staircase inside.
📅 5 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
📍 9 Rue de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris
Over on the Left Bank, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche is going for an Alsatian Christmas village theme. Expect wooden chalets, twinkling lights, and animated displays that feel straight out of a storybook.
📅 From 7 November 2025
📍 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
And finally, BHV Marais is once again lighting up the heart of the 4th arrondissement. This year’s theme, Christmas Reverie, will begin with a special sound and light show on 18 November to mark the start of the season.
📅 18 November 2025 – 31 December 2025
📍 52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris
3. Paris Christmas Lights
When the lights come on in Paris in November, the city takes on a completely different kind of magic.
The Champs-Élysées is always the star of the show. From mid-November through January, hundreds of trees lining the avenue between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe are wrapped in glowing lights.
📅 16 November 2025 – January 2026
Just a short walk away, Place Vendôme is worth a visit. The elegant square, surrounded by luxury boutiques and the Ritz, glows softly with eight towering Christmas trees at its corners. It’s stylish, understated, and so very Paris.
📅 From 19 November 2025
Elsewhere in the city, streets like Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne put on their own show, with elegant light displays and shopfronts dressed to impress. These areas have such a classic Parisian charm, and wandering them on a winter evening is one of the simplest (and loveliest) ways to enjoy the season.
If you’re after something a little different, the festive glow extends beyond the city centre too. Lumières en Seine returns from 14 November 2025 at the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, just west of Paris. It’s an easy trip by metro, and the experience is worth it. There’s a two-kilometre walk through creative light installations and glowing sculptures that bring the park to life in the most magical way.
Another favourite is the Luminous Odyssey at the Parc Floral de Paris, running from 19 November 2025 to 11 January 2026. It’s a lovely evening walk through illuminated scenes and shimmering sculptures. This year’s edition will even feature a drone show three times a night and a giant bubble show.
Back in central Paris, the Jardin des Plantes continues its Festival of Lights (12 November 2025 – 18 January 2026), filling the gardens with huge, nature-inspired light sculptures. It’s peaceful and a calm escape from the city’s bustle that feels almost otherworldly.
Finally, Light Cycles at Parc de la Villette, that opened on 31 October 2025, is a magical evening walk where light and sound bring the park to life. Created by Moment Factory, the team behind AURA Invalides and projects for Disney and Universal Studios, it’s a wonderful experience for both kids and adults.
4. Take a Spin on Ice in Paris this Christmas
Ice-skating in Paris is one of the most festive ways to experience Christmas in the city. Each winter, seasonal ice rinks pop up across Paris, offering something for everyone – from panoramic rooftop views to family-friendly spaces for little ones.
If you only visit one, make it the Grand Palais Ice Rink, returning from 14 December 2025 to 7 January 2026. Set beneath the iconic glass dome, it’s the world’s largest indoor ice rink, and it’s a beautiful place to skate. I went last year with my kids, and while it does get busy (keep an eye out for wobbly skaters!), it’s still worth it for the setting alone. There’s a smaller, separate rink for children, which is great if they’re just finding their feet on the ice. During the day it’s family-friendly, and by night, the rink transforms into a lively space with DJs and lights.
🎟️ Buy your tickets here.
Over at Parc André Citroën in the 15th arrondissement, a large outdoor rink will be open from 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. It’s a relaxed, local spot with a family area for younger skaters and a small gourmet village nearby selling crêpes and hot drinks. Perfect for a slower-paced afternoon.
🎟️ Buy your tickets here.
For a skate with a view, Galeries Lafayette takes things up a notch with a rooftop ice rink opening 1 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. The views over the Parisian rooftops and the Eiffel Tower are hard to beat — a truly memorable experience for both kids and grown-ups. Each session lasts about an hour, with 30 minutes of actual skating time.
🎟️ Book tickets here.
For something a little more classic, the Tuileries Garden Ice Rink is a family favourite and part of the Tuileries Christmas Market, running 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. It’s smaller and ideal for younger kids, with plenty of nearby rides, treats, and a lively festive atmosphere right in the heart of Paris. You don’t need to prebook here.
And finally, if you’re after something extra special, the Plaza Athénée has a charming rink set in its beautiful courtyard garden. It’s open from 27 November 2025 to 31 January 2026, but to skate here, you’ll need to book a table for afternoon tea or dinner. It’s a pricey restaurant but you get to combine kids skating with a bit of Parisian luxury for yourself.
🎟️ Restaurant bookings here.
5. Christmas Concerts and Performances in Paris
Paris has a lot to offer beyond lights and markets during the holidays. Each year, the city comes alive with festive concerts, performances, and immersive seasonal experiences that are perfect for families and visitors of all ages.
In the 16th arrondissement, the Lantern Festival at Jardin d’Acclimatation opens on 10 December 2025 with the theme Japan in Lights. Stroll through glowing lanterns and illuminated displays inspired by Japan, grab a bite at the food court serving authentic Japanese dishes, and take a spin on the Ferris wheel with views over Paris.
If music is more your thing, holiday concerts are held across some of Paris’s most beautiful historic venues. From Sainte-Chapelle with its stained-glass windows to Église de la Madeleine with its grand acoustics, and churches like Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Sulpice, and Saint-Eustache, you can enjoy everything from Christmas carols to classical performances. Tickets are popular, so book early via platforms like Classictic, GetYourGuide, or Theatre in Paris to secure your spot.
For an immersive seasonal experience, the Grand Hotel des Rêves in the 5th arrondissement presents its family show The True Story of Santa Claus, running from 12 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. You follow the actors from room to room, set to set, as each space reveals a new scene – from a craftsman’s workshop and a snowy forest to a toy factory and a Far North post office. Visitors become part of the story, guided by actors and storytellers who bring the magic to life.
Another festive treat for families this season is Le Grrôle de Noël, a joyful musical by the Safa brothers showing at the Théâtre de la Gaîté Rive Gauche from 26 October 2025 to 4 January 2026. Loosely inspired by The Grinch, it’s a lively mix of humor, catchy songs, and a touch of magic all celebrating the true spirit of Christmas.
To round out the season’s lineup of performances, no Christmas in Paris would be complete without Casse-Noisette, or The Nutcracker. This year, the British Festival Ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and dreamy sets back to Paris in a performance that captures the wonder of Christmas perfectly. You can catch it at the Grand Rex on 14 and 15 November 2025, or at the Théâtre du 13ème Art from 23 December 2025 to 3 January 2026.
6. Festive Day Trips from Paris
If you’ve got a little extra time and a desire to explore beyond central Paris, some wonderful spots near the city go all‑out for the holidays. From historic châteaux dressed up for the holidays to magical experiences at theme parks, there’s something for everyone.
Château de Chantilly
Just a short train ride from Paris, Château de Chantilly is a perfect festive day trip in December. The château itself is one of France’s most elegant, set among water features and beautiful gardens, and home to an art collection second only to the Louvre. From 15 November 2025, the grounds and the Great Stables are transformed into a festive kingdom, with twinkling decorations throughout. Children can meet Santa, and the new Christmas show, The Golden Ark, brings the holiday tale to life with actors, acrobats, and horses performing in the stables. Discover the program and grab your tickets here.
📅 15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
📍 25 mins by train from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux station, and from there you can either walk, take a bus or taxi to the château.
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is another Christmas favourite. From 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, this 17th century masterpiece, said to have inspired Versailles, is transformed for the holidays. Inside, grand Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and decorated rooms bring the season to life, with warm fires adding extra charm. Outside, the gardens sparkle with lights, and families can enjoy an ice skating rink, treasure hunts for children and marshmallow roasting. Each year the themed décor changes, and a new evening light show at 6pm this year completes a perfect festive day trip.
📅 15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
📍 30mins by train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Melun, then take a special shuttle from the Melun train station to the château.
Disneyland Paris
For something a little more playful, Disneyland Paris is another family-friendly option during the holidays. From 8 November 2025 to 6 January 2026, the park is dressed in holiday decorations, twinkling lights, and seasonal displays. Main Street, U.S.A. becomes a winter wonderland, and you’ll find Santa meeting children throughout the park. Special shows and parades bring the holiday spirit to life, including the Disney Christmas Parade and nightly illuminations that light up Sleeping Beauty Castle.
📅 8 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
📍 c. 45 mins by train from several Paris stations to Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy, just a short walk from the park entrance.
I hope this guide helps you get a feel for what Christmas in Paris has to offer and gives you a few ideas for your own festive plans. Take it at your own pace, follow what catches your eye, and most importantly, have fun soaking up all the holiday cheer Paris has to offer.
More on Paris
The Best Areas to Stay in Paris with Kids (and WHY!) – help with choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in.
Paris Itineraries with Kids – 8 free day itineraries that cover top attractions, family-friendly activities and restaurants.
What to do in Paris with kids on a rainy day – options for keeping children entertained and dry in the city.
Join me on Instagram to get more inspiration for things to do and see in Paris.
My Ultimate Guide to Paris with Kids is also packed with family-friendly tips and recommendations on things to see and do in Paris.
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